Your resolution: To evaluate the ubiquity and availability of Ethernet services given increasing application demands. Ensure that you work with network operators that have a global Ethernet VPLS network infrastructure with strong Network to Network Interfaces (NNIs) in place, with industry-leading service-level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee the performance you need to extend your business.

Goal No. 3: Go global the right way

Many companies have global expansion plans or already have a global workforce that they must service. With worldwide operations across developed and developing countries, there are differing business drivers and departmental requirements often coupled with connectivity challenges (especially in emerging markets such as India and China). You need to future-proof your network so that your organization can quickly scale as the competitive landscape changes and as your business grows. One size does not fit all.

Your resolution: To peel back the onion and ensure that your overarching network solution also maps to individual site requirements. Ensure that you work with a trusted network provider that can reach not only the major business centers around the world but emerging markets as well. Your solution providers should be flexible and able to address current bandwidth needs by geography as well as sites, and can scale to accommodate business growth and geographic expansion.

Ted Raffetto is President of the Americas region of Reliance Globalcom. Ted has over 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. Prior to leading the Americas region of Reliance Globalcom, Ted spent more than 20 years serving in a number of executive management positions at Verizon (formerly Bell Atlantic), including CEO of the data solutions group, group president of business services, and president of global accounts. Most recently, Ted was a member of Vanco's board of directors and served as chairman from 2001 until 2003. Ted was CEO of Vanco U.S. from 2003 to 2005, after which he returned to a primary board position in 2006. Ted holds a Bachelor's degree in Government and Law from Lafayette College and a Master's degree in Marketing from Monmouth University. Ted also attended executive management and leadership programs at Wharton. He can be reached at traffetto@relianceglobalcom.com.